In a bid to address what he characterizes as anti-Christian bias in the United States, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the creation of a task force aimed at investigating discrimination against Christians. This initiative will be spearheaded by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is expected to tackle issues of alleged targeting of Christian communities by various federal agencies.
Speaking at events in Washington coinciding with the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump emphasized that the new task force would be charged with putting an end to anti-Christian targeting within federal institutions, specifically calling out the Department of Justice, IRS, and FBI. He also expressed commitment to prosecuting acts of anti-Christian violence and vandalism, aiming to safeguard the rights of Christians and other religious individuals throughout the nation.
Later in the day, Trump took actionable steps by signing an executive order that mandates the newly established task force to investigate unlawful actions or policies across all executive agencies and propose further presidential or legislative measures as necessary.
During the National Prayer Breakfast, which has been a longstanding tradition in Washington for over 70 years, Trump shared that his own relationship with faith had evolved following two assassination attempts he faced the previous year. He urged attendees to reconnect with spirituality, stating that having faith in God is essential to happiness.
However, in a starkly different tone at a secondary event in the city, he criticized the current Biden administration for what he described as the “persecution” of believers, particularly referencing the prosecution of anti-abortion activists. Trump also took the opportunity to tout his administration’s successes in dismantling diversity initiatives and restricting transgender participation in women’s sports, declaring, “We got rid of woke over the last two weeks,” and proclaiming, “Woke is gone-zo.”
The announcement of the task force has drawn criticism from organizations such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which argues that it could be a vehicle for promoting discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. The organization’s president expressed concern that the initiative may encourage bigotry rather than protect genuine religious beliefs.
In contrast, advocates of the task force like Kelly Shackelford, of First Liberty Institute, commended its formation, stating that it is essential for all citizens to exercise their faith freely without government interference across various public sectors.
Additionally, Trump revealed plans to establish a dedicated White House office for faith initiatives, headed by Paula White-Cain, a pastor who has been a close ally since Trump’s initial presidential campaign. At the prayer breakfast, White-Cain referred to Trump as a principal champion for religious faith in modern American politics.
Experts have expressed mixed reactions regarding the implications of the task force and faith office. While similar offices have existed under previous administrations without controversy, some argue the focus on alleged anti-Christian bias is overstated in a predominantly Christian nation, as it could create a pathway for increased hostility towards minority groups.
This year’s National Prayer Breakfast marked a divergence from tradition, splitting into two separate events due to lawmakers distancing themselves from the private organization that usually organizes the larger gathering. Attendees at both events heard Trump reflect on life-changing near-death experiences, asserting a renewed intensity in his faith.
The president pointed out that relationships with religion are vital for personal fulfillment, positioning religious liberty as fundamental to American life. Despite Trump’s efforts to affirm the role of faith in public life, his administration has faced criticism from various religious factions regarding conflicting policies, particularly around immigration and religious diversity.
Since Dwight D. Eisenhower first attended the National Prayer Breakfast in 1953, every president has participated in this event. This year’s honorary co-chairs include Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan and Republican Senator Roger Marshall. President Joe Biden also addressed the gathering, connecting with audiences from both events through his remarks broadcasted online.
